May is the Month of Our Lady!

And what better way to honor Our Lady than to not only say the rosary as a family but make a small pilgrimage too! A Marian Pilgrimage consists of a pilgrimage to a Marian statute or shrine and the praying of the rosary; Pray one set of the Mysteries of the Rosary on the way there and another on the way back. The Mysteries that are said are those for that day of the week, plus the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the shrine itself or before the picture or statue of Our Lady that is visited.

Keep reading for some tips that make this beautiful devotion something you do this month!

Make it A Family Affair

As the saying goes, “The family that prays together stays together.” so why not get the whole family involved?

Now this can be a daunting idea, especially with squirmy little ones, reluctant teenagers, or busy spouses, getting the whole family involved encourages everyone to join. Choose a night when everyone is home from school and work with no commitments and put it on the calendar ahead of time so everyone can know the plan. When it is planned ahead of time with everyone’s schedules in mind, it is easier to make it happen.

Make It Local

While you probably can’t make it to an apparition site like Lourdes or Fatima, there most likely is a Marian Shrine near your home! Most parishes have outdoor spaces dedicated to Our Lady with beautiful statues of her, and May is a great time to get outside and get some fresh air. Research with your family and find a Marian grotto or garden near you. Whether it is down the block or a car ride away, this small sacrifice is sure to make Our Lady smile.

Bonus points if you research the Marian Devotion of the site, you go ahead of time and learn the story behind it.

Make It Fun

“Joy is a net of love by which we catch souls,” says St. Teresa of Calcutta. And this pilgrimage can definitely be a net of love! Try ending the pilgrimage with a stop for ice cream or another treat, especially if the day is warmer. A Rosary Picnic Pilgrimage can also be a good idea if maybe walking or driving around seems like too much. Invite friends along and end with a celebratory dinner. Planning something fun with the pilgrimage can make it something that everyone looks forward to every May.

The family Rosary is a great devotion to have, and a Rosary Pilgrimage is a way to make that devotion feel extra special in May. Try incorporating this beautiful tradition into your Marian devotions!